Open Thread: World Series Game Five

How about that Derek Holland kid? That was his Andy Pettitte, Game Five of the 1996 World Series moment right there, which is pretty cool because apparently he idolizes Pettitte; Andy texted him a congratulations after the game. Only one non-Lance Berkman hitter managed to hit the ball out of the infield off Holland, and the Cardinals offense doesn’t suck. We’re down to a best-of-three series now, which is great news for those of us that want to see a Game Seven.

Oh by the way, that’s a neat little (well, not little, it’s nearly 15 minutes long) video of World Series highlights through the years. The Yankees are well represented, both good and bad, as you probably expect.

1. If Ortiz leaves the Red Sox, he will hit 40 HRs in Pinstripes
2. The Sox ‘could potentially’ make room om their roster and wallets for Pujols, although Reyes would be the more prudent move
3. If CC opts out (more like when) the Sox should not pursue him, as he would be a different pitcher in Fenway (like an 18-10 guy instead of a 21-7 guy)… And oh by the way he’s fat.

And then I switched the channel before I got to the part of my commute with a lot of bridges….

JobaWockeeZ

Well Ortiz has really good power and is a lefty. So at Yankee Stadium 40 homers isn’t impossible to do. The Pujols and Reyes musing are both batshit insane. And long term contracts are very very scary so I don’t blame anyone.

JobaWockeeZ

Long term pitching contracts rather. It’s way more riskier for a pitcher.

What would they do? Sign Pujols, shift A-Gon to third and make Youk DH? Righhtt.

And them signing Reyes would be hilarious.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

A-Gon is left handed. Lefties don’t play third.

Sarah

Pujols to RF obv.

Brian S.

After arbitration Boston will be at 150 million dollars. That’s without Ortiz, Papelbon, Scutaro (buyout included), Wheeler, Varitek, and Wakefield. They have never spent more than 170 million dollars on opening day payroll so I would assume that’s about where they will end up. I don’t see how they bring back Ortiz AND Papelbon let alone upgrade their rotation or puruse Reyes/Pujols without drastically increasing their payroll.

Kiersten

So they showed the Red Sox winning in both ’04 (understandable)and ’07, but didn’t show the Yankees winning in ’96, ’98, ’99, ’00 or ’09.

I take it that’s because the Yankees winning the World Series doesn’t even count as a highlight.

Greg

If you are talking about the video up there, they showed Leyritz’s home run in 1996 and the double steal by Damon in 2009

JobaWockeeZ

I’d put in a shh narrative comment here but it’s pretty annoying.

Kiersten

Uh, why don’t you both read my comment again?

Greg

If you mean in terms of the celebrations, it was probably the most exciting part of those two World Series’s given they were sweeps.

They want to show the big highlights from each series, not all the celebrations.

JobaWockeeZ

I got it but someone usually does the narrative comment which is tiresome after the millionth time. Didn’t really talk about the veracity of your comment.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Every time I see CJ Wilson pitch, it makes me even sadder that the Yankees won’t let Joba be a starter…

The Big City of Dreams

Lol Joba could be 40 yrs old and ppl would still want him to start.

http://twitter.com/urbainshockcor Urban

Is that because you think Joba will be a better starter than Wilson, or annoyed that the Rangers are willing to give their relievers a chance to start, but the Yanks won’t?

The Big City of Dreams

The second part. It’s messed up that he has been banished to the pen when he wasn’t given a full chance to start.

FIPster Doofus

Irrelevant. He’s not 40 years old.

The Big City of Dreams

It was a joke calm down.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

Settle down he was kidding.

The Big City of Dreams

I have to remember Joba not starting is a touchy subject. I have snapped at a few ppl myself.

Darren

Ian Kinsler has played like crap this series. If I could think of a really bad fielding Yankees second baseman I would name check him, but I can’t think of any. Please don’t mention Soriano. He was inconsistent but had flashes of brilliance.

And if you think Cano isn’t a gold glover, you’re a racist. :)

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Tony Womack was awful, wasn’t he? He had to be.

http://twitter.com/urbainshockcor Urban

I’m not sure what you’re trying to say here, but Kinsler is a very good fielder, better than Cano.

nsalem

Steve Sax

BK2ATL

Wasn’t Chuck Knoblauch a 2B….?

It makes me laugh that people really think Cano is any less a fielder because he isn’t “gritty.” He covers more ground than Kinsler and the gnome from Boston combined. And he has the best arm for a 2B in MLB. Someday he’ll get some respect.

Brian S.

No he doesn’t. Pedroia and Kinsler are much better defenders than Cano.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Cano turns some balls into outs that neither of Pedroia or Kinsler even get to.

Brian S.

False. Kinsler and Pedroia have better range than Cano.

bankers hours

Cano will be a Hall of Famer someday. Comparing him to Kinsler and Pedroia is absurd.

Brian S.

Not really, all three of them are top second basemen of this era. It actually makes a lot of sense to compare and contrast them.

Brian S.

Kinsler is actually amazing on defense. Only Zobrist, Pedroia, and Utley have been better defensively since 2009.

bankers hours

Cano makes plays Kinsler could only dream about. He’s clearly the best defensive second baseman in baseball and because he’ll hit in a better spot next yr he’s got a real chance to be MVP. Scary that Cashman offered either Cano or J Arias in the Soriano/Arod deal in 2003. Thank God Texas chose Arias. I wish Girardi would change the lineup for Cano next year with more l/r balance. I’d like to see Jeter/Grandy/Arod/Cano/Tex/Montero/Swisher/Martin/Gardner. I think this lineup helps Tex and Arod with Cano between them.

Brian S.

No he doesn’t. Kinsler has better range by far. Cano actually has cost the team runs in the field at second base in every year except 2007.

Brian S.

Cano is the best hitting second basemen in the game though.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Rangers shooting themselves in the foot by bobbling balls.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Eduardo Nunez would look like a gold glover on the Rangers.

FachoinaNYY

Derek Holland is kinda the shit.

That Harry Carrey was pretty damn awesome. Would much prefer him to these buffons calling this game.

Holland’s impression of Will Ferrell’s impression of Harry Caray sucked.

Teixeira should bat 7th.

i agree.

http://twitter.com/urbainshockcor Urban

Nice shot from Moreland. Good thing, because as far as I can tell, he is not good with the glove.

Greg

Rangers are beginning to push

Greg

But a groundout by Young ends the threat.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Man, walking the eight and nine hitters to lead off an inning in the World Series is as bad as it gets. So, naturally, TLR tries to out-dumb CJ Wilson by having Furcal bunt.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Nevermind, Schumaker got a hit. But still, walking the nine hitter is bad.

jay h

It’s a power play goal

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Also known as: a miracle.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

In a shocking turn of events, the sacrifice bunt didn’t work.

Nick

Come on Rangers I want 7 games

BK2ATL

Did CJ Wilson do anything to increase/decrease his FA value tonight? I know he got out of some jams tonight, but he kept getting in them too. I just wasn’t that impressed. Last night, Derek Holland looked like the ace.

Another question. Do you think Matt Holliday has been worth that monster contract he signed last year? Personally, I’m glad the Yanks stayed out of that one.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

He’s hit .305/.389/.529 since signing the deal.

BK2ATL

I know what the stats say, but anything of significance? They just ring pretty hollow to me. He does pile up the stats every year.

I’ll just continue with my thought pattern. His contract had better not be the reason that Pujols signs elsewhere. Pujols puts the team on his back. Everyone else rides along. I just don’t think Holliday does that. Show up at the big moment.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

He hit .316/.398/.553 with RISP this year. I’m not sure what you’re getting at, that he’s not Albert Pujols? No one is.

Brian S.

Yeah Holliday has been amazing the last two years. Question for you Mike, would we have been a better team the last two years with Holliday in left, Gardner in center, and Ian Kennedy still in the rotation? I love Granderson, he’s one of my favorite players, but I want to know what you think of that.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Depends who you take out of the rotation, no?

Brian S.

That’s true. Obviously with hindsight we could say that we shouldn’t have even traded for Vazquez, opening up a spot for Kennedy and keeping Vizcaino. But that’s a fallacy.

BK2ATL

Please pay me no mind on this. I’ve just always been indifferent to Holliday’s stats. To me, they ring hollow.

I’m pretty sure the RISP opps for Holliday hitting behind Pujols were plentiful. Then there’s Berkman behind him. I just never got the Holliday hype.

Again, pay me no mind.

Brian S.

That doesn’t make sense. Over the last two years he ranks number 12 in WAR out of all of Major League Baseball.

Greg

Stupid decision by Craig to steal.

Greg

I know its hindsight but that makes the decision by Craig even more questionable.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

You gotta love this two out rally. Intentional walk, single, runner moves to second on the throw home, intentional walk.

Greg

And then a fly out to end the inning.

Karl Krawfid

I thought only the Yankees had games like this.

jay h

It’s another Power Play goal.

Nick

im liking this game. sure as hell beats the jags v ravens stinker

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Bunting with Molina at second is unfathomably dumb.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

*at first

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

They didn’t just bunt Molina to second, they send up Ryan Theriot to pinch-bunt for Skip Schumaker to bring Nick Punto to the plate.

Sarah

Batshit insane.

Greg

Wait a minute, so Pujols put on his own hit and run?

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

Binder says bunt.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

I feel comfortable saying that if the Yankees made it to the WS, the Girardi/TLR matchup would set a postseason record for most sac bunts and pitching changes in a postseason series.

Esteban

Oh yay, there’s gonna be more deification for Michael Young.

BK2ATL

He’s pretty good.

Sarah

At what? Hitting? He doesn’t walk, and he doesn’t have a position since he’s not very good at one position.

Esteban

Dotel cannot throw and IBB. LOL

Esteban

an*

Brian S.

Cardinals are about to get fucked.

Nick

lets wait and see

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

So with the Colts 62-7 loss, should the Colts fire coach Jim Caldwell?

The Big City of Dreams

No they will keep him and draft Luck if they get the first pick.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

That’s what I think they’ll do.

The Big City of Dreams

And they would be smart to do it. I’ve heard Colt fans say we can’t draft Luck because this team needs so much more than a QB who is going to sit for 2-3. SMH you can’t pass on a talent like that in quarterback league.

Brian S.

Dolphins are getting the first pick and drafting Luck.

The Big City of Dreams

Not if the Colts have something to say about it.

Nick

i think they kind of have to

BK2ATL

Nah, the team mailed it in when Peyton was pronounced out for the year. The mgmt decided to bring in Kerry Collins, which screwed up the existing team chemistry at that point. Can’t put that on the coach.

The team, including the defense, is built around Peyton’s leadership. By controlling the offense, he always controls how the defense is needed. That’s how hey were able to get by with Freeney and Saunders as their playmakers for so long. Neck injuries are nothing to scoff at, esp. for a QB. One strange hit, and you’re talking about lifetime issues. I don’t know if Peyton plays again.

Now, it’s just a race to Andruw Luck.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

Great points. And yeah, it’s not a guarantee at all that Peyton comes back. What’s it, three neck surgeries in a span of 18 months for an aging QB? Yikes.

Sarah

Cards have left 11? Ouch.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

And the IBB comes around to score.

Sarah

God. I hate Mike Napoli so much.

Greg

Why? He’s done nothing to us. You hate the Rangers winning

Sarah

Fair.

Greg

That could be the series for the Rangers. I dont see the Cardinals coming back from a 3-2 deficit

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

Why not?

Greg

Their offense has truggled except for one game.
And they wont have Chris Carpenter for game 6 or 7 since there is only one more off day.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

They’re at home, and have had their back against the wall all year.

Greg

If Carpenter was going in either 6 or 7 at home then I would say they would have a chance.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Jaime Garcia’s pretty good too, ya know.

Greg

But Kyle Lohse is not.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Neither is Matt Harrison.

Greg

I wonder if they would pitch Holland on three days rest.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

Wouldn’t count on it, but YCPB.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

And Mike Scioscia cringes even more.

Nick

i bet john farrel does too

Greg

Eh the Blue Jays were all about clearing bad contracts.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Tony LaRussa really fucked this game up. All those bunts and the IBB come back to hurt the Cards.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

The IBB was pretty bad, but letting the lefty face Napoli was as bad as it gets.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

How about bringing in Lynn to IBB someone?

toad

Hey. LaRussa’s a genius. There must be a deep, subtle, reason that we mere fans cannot possibly grasp.

BK2ATL

The Cards left a lot of runners on base this game. Seemed like every other inning. They had their chances. Texas made them pay.

Brian S.

Fuck the Rangers. Getting outplayed and winning.

jon

who would have thought batting your best hitter 8th was a good idea

maybe torre wasnt crazy after all

swishers fauxhawk

Why the fuck do you bring in a new pitcher just to issue an intentional walk?

mbonzo

Why do people think TLR is such a good manager? My friend said that he was one of the best ever. I couldn’t stop laughing.

Greg

Well 2 WS, 6 AL/NL pennants, 4th all time in wins/

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Hahaha, did he just use Lynn to for one batter, an intentional walk?

jon

i guess its the best way to kill time but man id be pissed to have to do that

BK2ATL

If Texas holds on to win this game, I don’t see a Chris Carpenter-less Cards team having the firepower to hold off the Texas offense in both of the next two games.

mbonzo

Chris Carpenter probably pitches a few innings in game 7.

BK2ATL

Might not get that far.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Jaime Garcia is awesome at home.

Greg

That’s exactly what I think.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

C’mon Feliz, blow this save….

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

I’m wouldn’t be at all surprised if TLR has Pujols bunt here…

/only half kidding

tom

Insisting on the hit and run there was in the same territory as bunting — it was based on this overwhleming fear of the double play, and it took Pujols out of his game. (As others have said, he probably swung at ball four at least once) They need two runs; why not let the hitters swing away instead of tying them down with “strategy”?

Esteban

Awesome. Pujols against Feliz with the possibility to tie the game. Baseball’s great.

Esteban

Wow strike em out throw em out DP crazy. YCPB

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

Fuck.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

They shoulda pinch-ran Gerald Laird.

Greg

That was ball 4

Nick

Feliz made Pujols look bad there. Napoli current WS MVP?

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

I’d say so, regarding Napoli WS MVP.

Greg

Yep IMO

Esteban

I’d say.

Esteban

Yea Jeff Mathis’ D is totally worth giving up Mike Napoli. Totally.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

This is unbelievable. Pujols swung at balls four, five, and six because they sent the runner.

Esteban

That’s just TLR being a great manager. He’s the real difference maker.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

I know the players still have to perform and all that, but the Cardinals stood no chance against themselves tonight.

ArchStanton

Indefensibly bad managing. Feliz is totally wild and they gave him two free outs.

BK2ATL

That narrative has had legs for years. Canseco, McGuire, Pujols have nothing to do with it.

David N

And Craig can’t even run.

tom

Same thing I said, above. LaRussa keeps over-managing the team into the ground.

Greg

And also this is why ALbert Pujols should not even be considered in the breath of Mr. October.

Reggie did not just have one epic game. He had a fantastic series. Pujols has not

tom

I think alot of us wouldn’t entirely blame Pujols for that at bat. LaRussa forcing him to swing at anything close on those last few pitches half-took the bat out of his hand.

And, actually, Reggie was stinking the joint out in ’77 through the first 2-3 games; he just got on a tear in game 4 and never let up.

Greg

His only bad game was game 2 when he went 0-4

He went 1-2 in game 1 and 1-3 in game 3 with 2 runs scored and an RBI.

Pujols has gone 0-12 with no rbis and no runs in his other games

BK2ATL

That Feliz kid got a pair of nuts on him. Struck out Pujols on outside heat.

Napoli is looking like the MVP so far.

mbonzo

Pirates are interested in Cervelli. How about for someone like Zack Von Rosenberg?

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

Saw his minor league numbers (Von Rosenberg’s), and sure why not? Of course with minor leaguers the numbers don’t tell the story.

Urban

It’s unlikely the Yankees will be trading Cervelli as I fully expect, and hope, that Romine gets a full year at AAA, and the Yankees will need a third catcher on the roster in 2012 since Montero figures to be the DH as well as a part-time catcher. In that scenario, a third catcher is required. It would be a waste if it’s Romine.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

C’mon Puma. Make like Tino and Brosius in ’01 and hit a dinger with 2 outs in the ninth.

David N

Come on Puma….

Nick

that was pretty awful all around in the 9th

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Texas Rangers: 1
St Louis Cardinals: 2
Tony LaRussa: 2

BK2ATL

That was the strangest ninth inning save opportunity ever. Not a single fair ball, 3 outs.

David N

Well crap.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Jesse

Cardinals win Games 6 and 7. You heard it here first.

mbonzo

How’s LaRussa gonna blame this loss on Colby Rasmus now?

Urban

Rasmus was so bad after he was traded to Toronto that I think it’s possible he can blame Rasmus and have it believable.

beachbum

That game was a clinic in small ball fail in the playoffs. Oh . . . and Pujols is obviously just an unclutch, stat-padder hitting meaningless home runs when it doesn’t matter.

Kevin

Impossible, I thought only the Yankees could put runners on again and again with one or no outs and not bring them home!

Kevin

notice how on the MLB clip they don’t show any clips of the Yankees Ws victories in the 90’s or 2000’s but spend 10-20 seconds on 01 and 03?

Greg

They showed Leyritz’s home run in 1996.

BJ

Pettitte texted Holland after the game? Haha. How do players get everybody else’s numbers?

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

I’m sure it’s pretty easy these days with free agency. They probably have some mutual friends, agents, whatever.

BJ

Pro athletes must have some pretty crazy contact lists in their phones. “Oh look, here’s Albert Pujols, right after my mom.”